초록 ▼

A time-temperature indicator label for measuring the length of time to which a product has been exposed to a temperature above a pre-determined temperature is provided. The period of time of exposure is integrated with the temperature to which the indicator is exposed. The label is a composite of a

A time-temperature indicator label for measuring the length of time to which a product has been exposed to a temperature above a pre-determined temperature is provided. The period of time of exposure is integrated with the temperature to which the indicator is exposed. The label is a composite of a plurality of layers adapted to be adhered at its underside to a product container. The label includes a printable surface layer, a longitudinal wicking strip that is adhered underneath the surface layer substantially at the opposite extremities only of the wicking strip and a lower substrate layer forming an envelope with said surface layer. A heat-fusible substance, which melts and flows above a pre-determined temperature, is applied on the surface of the wicking strip contiguous to at least one of the ends of the wicking member. When the heat-fusible substance is exposed to a temperature above the pre-determined temperature, the heat fusible substance flows along the length of the wicking member. The label has a printable surface layer and is sealed at its peripheral edge to the peripheral edge of the substrate layer. These layers encapsulate the wicking member and the heat-fusible substance. The surface layer is provided with a sight window at an intermediate location over the wicking member through which the progress of flow on the wicking member is observed.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An indicator for signaling the exposure of a product to a temperature above a pre-determined temperature and after a period of time of exposure that is integrated with said temperature comprising in combination:(a) a surface layer;(b) a substrate layer below said surface

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An indicator for signaling the exposure of a product to a temperature above a pre-determined temperature and after a period of time of exposure that is integrated with said temperature comprising in combination:(a) a surface layer;(b) a substrate layer below said surface layer adapted to be adhered at its underside to a container;(c) a longitudinal wicking member that is adhered, substantially only at the extremities of the member to the underside of said surface layer; and(d) a heat-fusible substance, which melts and flows at a temperature above a pre-determined temperature, applied to at least one of the ends of said wicking member and which, after being exposed to a temperature above said pre-determined temperature, flows along the length of said wicking member;(d) said surface layer covering said wicking member and heat-fusible substance and, in conjunction with said substrate layer, encapsulating said wicking member and heat-fusible substance, said surface layer being provided with a sight window at an intermediate location over said wicking member and through which the progress of flow on the wicking member of the heat fusible substance is observed. [10.] A method of manufacturing a pliable time-temperature indicator label for signaling the exposure of a product to a temperature above a pre-determined temperature and for a period of time that is integrated with said temperature comprising:(a) providing a surface layer with a viewable portion thereon to observe a condition of exposure;(b) providing a bottom substrate layer;(c) adhering a longitudinal wicking member solely at its longitudinal extremities to the underside of said surface layer;(d) applying a heat-fusible substance, which melts and flows above a pre-determined temperature, to one end of said wicking member, said heat-fusible substance after being exposed to a temperature above said pre-determined temperature, flows on the wicking member; and(e) conjointly sealing the surface layer at its outer periphery to the outer periphery of the bottom substrate layer. The method of claim 10 wherein the heat-fusible substance is comprised of at least one of the normal alkane hydrocarbons with melting ranges from -20.degree. C. to 50.degree. C. The method of claim 10 wherein the surface layer and the substrate layer comprise films of sealable resinous compositions. The method of claim 10 further comprising applying a self-adhering adhesive layer to the underside of said bottom substrate layer, said adhesive layer having a protective layer that is removable at the time of application of the label to a product container.